The Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, home to one of the country’s largest burn units, has recently expanded its facilities to handle an increasing number of severe burn cases. The upgrades include additional ICU beds, improved wards, and enhanced dressing rooms and public restrooms.
Prof. Adelin Muganza, director of the burns unit, reported a rise in both the number and severity of burn injuries treated at the facility. The unit admits an average of 1,500 patients annually, focusing only on major burns—those covering over 15% of the body or involving smoke inhalation injuries.
One survivor, a 33-year-old man, recounted his ordeal after escaping a house fire that left him with extensive burns. He was transferred to Baragwanath from the Eastern Cape, where he had been hospitalized for six months. Another patient, a Soweto resident, survived an alleged attack involving boiling water.
Prof. Muganza warned against home remedies like butter or toothpaste for burns, advising instead cool running water for 10-20 minutes, a clean cloth dressing, and painkillers before seeking medical help.
To prevent burns, experts recommend installing smoke alarms, avoiding unattended fires, and keeping fire extinguishers handy.
